JOSHUA BOUZAN'S SENTENCE IN CRAWLEY INCREASED AFTER CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In July 2019, the Court of Appeal took a significant step in delivering justice for victims of child sexual abuse by increasing the prison sentence of Joshua Bouzan, a 29-year-old man from Crawley. Bouzan had previously been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual exploitation of two young children over a period of six years, and his punishment was extended following an intervention by the Solicitor General, Michael Ellis QC MP.

During the course of his offending, Bouzan subjected both victims, who were under the age of 13 at the time, to a relentless and disturbing campaign of sexual abuse. His crimes included multiple instances of rape against the first victim, along with various sexual assaults and degrading name-calling that added emotional trauma to the physical abuse. The severity of his actions was compounded by his pursuit of a second victim, against whom he committed additional offences, including rape and encouraging the child to engage in sexual activities.

Initially, Bouzan was sentenced to a total of six years in prison for his crimes. However, the Court of Appeal, recognizing the gravity and prolonged nature of his offenses, decided to increase his sentence to ten years. This decision was made to ensure that justice was appropriately served and to reflect the seriousness of his crimes.

Following the ruling, the Solicitor General expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Bouzan subjected young victims to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse. I hope that the Court of Appeal’s decision today gives some closure to the victims, that justice has been done.” The case underscores the ongoing efforts of the justice system to protect vulnerable children and hold offenders accountable for their actions.